The two businesses said the collaboration aims to “further the open innovation spirit needed in production processes”.

It expands Koenig & Bauer’s flagship digital platform myKyana to include the connection of software modules and third-party machines – from order creation to logistics, from pre-press to post-press – and allows customers “to integrate ERP data independently of existing solutions for even more precise and impactful data analyses”.

The press manufacturer said the collaboration also strengthens customers’ abilities to break down data silos and extends beyond linking machines by also integrating data from customers’ ERP systems.

Specifically, the combination of Koenig & Bauer Kyana Connect IIoT gateway – which securely transmits production data to the Koenig & Bauer Cloud, with CoCoCo’s CoCore and CoConnect components enables users to optimise their workflows without the need for “costly and time-consuming” bespoke integrations.

Kyana Assist and Kyana Data, two major features of the myKyana portal, are now said to be even more powerful with the integration of CoCoCo’s platform. 

Kyana Assist, the AI-driven assistant, provides instant, machine-specific guidance and will soon offer AI-powered data analysis for quick decision-making.

Meanwhile, Kyana Data offers real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, allowing users to proactively address issues, minimise downtime, and boost productivity.

The platform’s intelligent benchmarking tool also enables users to compare their machine performance against industry peers and identify improvement areas.

Sandra Wagner, VP of Digitalisation at Koenig & Bauer, said: “By integrating CoCoCo’s platform, we are empowering our customers with a 360-degree view of their operations. This unprecedented level of data transparency and analysis will drive efficiency, innovation and ultimately profitability for print shops worldwide.”

Andreas Aplien, co-founder of CoCoCo, added: “We are convinced that connectivity is the concrete foundation of automation, and we are proud to be working with Koenig & Bauer to enable Industry 4.0.

“At Drupa 2024, we successfully demonstrated how our platform seamlessly connects various machines and ERP systems. As a vendor independent company, we offer print shops the flexibility they need to tackle the challenges of digital transformation.

“We are already working with our first beta customers and will introduce them to the market soon when the integration will be available to a wider market.”

MBO was previously revealed as CoCoCo’s first vendor driven integration this summer.

Established by former colleagues from Zaikio, CoCoCo launched in May with the aim to “enable compatibility, connectivity, and collaboration across the print industry worldwide”.

Heidelberg-owned business Zaikio, known for its cloud-based data and app platform, went into liquidation in April.

Image shows (L-R): Felix Oberdorf, head of digital development at Koenig & Bauer; John Maxwell and Karl Ciz, both co-founders at CoCoCo; Sandra Wagner, VP Digitalisation at Koenig & Bauer; Andreas Aplien, co-founder at CoCoCo; and Marcel Guntsch, head of Digital Operations at Koenig & Bauer.